SEOUL, South Korea — The ballistic missiles that North Korea test-fired this weekend were likely capable of striking key government and military facilities in South Korea, a defense official said yesterday, amid growing concerns over Pyongyang's firepower.

Pyongyang launched seven missiles into waters off its east coast Saturday in a show of force that defied U.N. resolutions and drew international condemnation.

The missiles appear to have traveled about 250 miles, meaning they could have reached almost any point in South Korea, an official at the South Korean Defense Ministry said on condition of anonymity, citing department policy. The official said the exact details of the launches were still under investigation.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that five of the seven ballistic missiles landed in one area, indicating the North's accuracy has improved.

A South Korean newspaper reported today that the launches may have included a new type of a Scud with an extended range and improved accuracy that poses a threat to Japan. South Korea's Defense Ministry said it could not confirm the report by the mass-circulation Chosun Ilbo newspaper.

The launches appeared to be a poke at Washington as it moves to enforce U.N. as well as its own sanctions against the isolated regime for its May 25 nuclear test.

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned they were "very destabilizing, potentially."

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he is concerned about the missile tests, which defied Security Council resolutions. He told reporters yesterday North Korea's communist regime has closed all doors to communication and dialogue.

China's Deputy Foreign Minister He Yafei told journalists in Rome, ahead of this week's G-8 summit, his country is supporting U.N. Security Council actions. "The U.N. Security Council has adopted a resolution to take action" against North Korea "while leaving room for diplomatic relations," He said. "China will support that resolution."

A South Korean defense official said more launches were possible given North Korea warned ships to stay away from the area through July 10.